Post navigation

Texas Governor Announces New Flood Control Measures"It has been a trying time for this community as we work through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey," Gov. Abbott said March 15. "I want to assure all Texans that I am committed to working with the federal government and local officials to protect life and property from uncontrolled flood waters."Mar 19, 2018Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced new flood control and prevention measures during a March 15 visit to Kingwood. The governor took an aerial tour to survey damage along the San Jacinto River and met with community leaders and elected officials to discuss Hurricane Harvey recovery and flood prevention efforts."It has been a trying time for this community as we work through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey," Abbott said. "I want to assure all Texans that I am committed to working with the federal government and local officials to protect life and property from uncontrolled flood waters. I thank these local leaders for all they have done in their communities, and I want to assure them that we will continue working to make Texas more resilient to future flood events."The measures he announced to help prevent future flooding include:Using Hazard Mitigation Funds, the Texas Department of Emergency Management has authorized $3 million to jump start the engineering and permitting process to determine where dredging should on the San Jacinto River and has authorized $2 million for a regional study focused on the river's watershed to prevent future flooding.Also using Hazard Mitigation Funds, FEMA has approved more than 900 voluntary buyouts in Harris County.Instructing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to investigate and take action against sand mining operations that are violating regulations.Directing the San Jacinto River Authority to immediately identify what can be done to prevent flood events along the West Fork of the river and to implement immediate and long-term solutions to protect lives and property of Texans living in the watershed.Also directing the authority to identify funding to implement a long-term plan that better protects areas downstream from Lake Conroe.The San Jacinto River Authority manages the Lake Conroe Dam; its releases from the dam in the immediate aftermath of Harvey sparked hundreds of lawsuits against the authority.Let's block ads! (Why?)

FDA Proposes Cutting Nicotine Level in CIgarettesThe advance notice of proposed rulemaking published March 16 is a step toward cuting the level of nicotine in cigarettes to "minimally or non-addictive levels," with FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb calling it "a pivotal step ... that could ultimately bring us closer to our vision of a world where combustible cigarettes would no longer create or sustain addiction."Mar 19, 2018The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is accepting comments until June 14 on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking published March 16 is a step toward cutting the level of nicotine in cigarettes to "minimally or non-addictive levels," with FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb calling it "a pivotal step ... that could ultimately bring us closer to our vision of a world where combustible cigarettes would no longer create or sustain addiction – making it harder for future generations to become addicted in the first place and allowing more currently addicted smokers to quit or switch to potentially less harmful products."The ANPRM asks for comments about what maximum nicotine level would be appropriate in a nicotine tobacco product standard, how the maximum nicotine level should be measured, and how the threshold of nicotine addiction should be measured. "FDA is particularly interested in comments about the merits of nicotine levels like 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg nicotine/g of tobacco filler, as well as other levels of nicotine," it says. FDA also requests any information on additional scientific data and research that would provide information about specific groups in the general population that may have an increased sensitivity to nicotine's reinforcing effects."We believe the public health benefits and the potential to save millions of lives, both in the near and long term, support this effort," Gottlieb said in his March 15 statement. "Notably, new estimates included in the ANPRM that are being published in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluate one possible policy scenario for a nicotine product standard. If this scenario were implemented, this analysis suggests that approximately 5 million additional adult smokers could quit smoking within one year of implementation. And with this scenario, an even greater impact could be felt over time: by the year 2100, the analysis estimates that more than 33 million people – mostly youth and young adults – would have avoided becoming regular smokers. And smoking rates could drop from the current 15 percent to as low as 1.4 percent. All told, this framework could result in more than 8 million fewer tobacco-caused deaths through the end of the century – an undeniable public health benefit.""We're at a crossroads when it comes to addressing nicotine addiction and smoking in this country – with important new tools to address this devastating public health burden," he wrote. "And although a potential nicotine product standard for cigarettes is the cornerstone of our approach, we also continue to push forward on additional pieces of the FDA's multi-year plan designed to work in concert to better protect kids and significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and death. We said from the outset that ours was a comprehensive approach that requires us to pursue all of its parts in tandem."Let's block ads! (Why?)

NASA Clears Up DNA Questions from Twins Study"The change related to only 7 percent of the gene expression that changed during spaceflight that had not returned to preflight after six months on Earth. This change of gene expression is very minimal," NASA explained in a March 15 statement.Mar 19, 2018NASA issued a statement on March 15 that clears up some questions about the whether the DNA of astronaut Scott Kelly changed significantly during a year aboard the International Space Station. Because Scott has an identical twin, Mark, also an astronaut, who stayed on Earth during that year, NASA conducted the Twins Study and invited research teams to take part in finding out what the effects on the human body were from such a long time in space."Mark and Scott Kelly are still identical twins; Scott's DNA did not fundamentally change," NASA explained in the statement, saying what some interpreted as a 7 percent change in Scott's DNA was actually "changes in gene expression, which is how your body reacts to your environment. This likely is within the range for humans under stress, such as mountain climbing or SCUBA diving.""The change related to only 7 percent of the gene expression that changed during spaceflight that had not returned to preflight after six months on Earth. This change of gene expression is very minimal," the agency explained. "We are at the beginning of our understanding of how spaceflight affects the molecular level of the human body. NASA and the other researchers collaborating on these studies expect to announce more comprehensive results on the twins studies this summer."Most of the biological changes Scott experienced in space quickly returned to nearly his pre-flight status; a few persisted after six months, according to NASA, which explained:"Scott's telomeres (endcaps of chromosomes that shorten as one ages) actually became significantly longer in space. While this finding was presented in 2017, the team verified this unexpected change with multiple assays and genomics testing. Additionally, a new finding is that the majority of those telomeres shortened within two days of Scott's return to Earth. Another interesting finding concerned what some call the 'space gene,' which was alluded to in 2017. Researchers now know that 93% of Scott's genes returned to normal after landing. However, the remaining 7% point to possible longer term changes in genes related to his immune system, DNA repair, bone formation networks, hypoxia, and hypercapnia [excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream]. Increasing mission duration from the typical six-month ISS mission to one year resulted in no significant decreases in Scott’s cognitive performance while inflight and relative to his twin brother Mark on the ground. However, a more pronounced decrease in speed and accuracy was reported postflight, possibly due to re-exposure and adjustment to Earth’s gravity, and the busy schedule that enveloped Scott after his mission."Let's block ads! (Why?)

MDNR Warns Property Owners Not to Attract Bears"The ideal situation is for a bear to walk past your property, not find a food reward, and move along on its own," said DNR wildlife communication Coordinator Katie Keen. "That's the best way to live with bears and not encourage conflict."Mar 16, 2018The Michigan Department of Natural Resources posted a reminder for property owners March 14 that longer daylight hours and warming temperatures cause bears and other wildlife to start to move, so they should check to see whether they have items that soon may be attracting bears."The ideal situation is for a bear to walk past your property, not find a food reward, and move along on its own," said DNR wildlife communication Coordinator Katie Keen. "That's the best way to live with bears and not encourage conflict." Black bears can be found throughout more than half of the state, according to MDNR, which reported that birdseed and suet are especially attractive to them because those foods are high-calorie and reliable compared to other plentiful and natural food sources. So bird feeders can draw bears beyond their natural habitat, where they would normally be enjoying roots of early spring plants and insects in trees and logs; bears also remember food sources and typically will continue to return to a location once they have found a food reward there."The majority of calls we receive about bears involve a bird feeder. Taking the feeders down before they are found by a bear can eliminate future problems," said Keen. "A bear doesn't just forget an easy meal, and wild animals can pick up habits."The department said the easiest thing people can do to avoid problems with bears is remove bird feeders during the spring and summer months. "With an estimated 2,000-plus adult bears in the northern Lower Peninsula and almost 10,000 in the Upper Peninsula, there are plenty of bears searching for natural food that is plentiful in forests, fields, and wetlands," it said."Many people who live in northern Michigan remove their bird feeders during the spring and summer, but every year the spring sneaks up on us and suddenly, it is now that time of year," Keen said.For more information about Michigan's black bears and how to prevent potential problems, visit michigan.gov/bear or watch "The Bear Essentials" video.Let's block ads! (Why?)

Entergy Agrees to Survey of Safety Culture at Nuclear PlantsThe survey will be done by a third party within a year at plants in Mississippi, Arkansas, New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Louisiana, to identify safety culture concerns that could be contributing to employees' willful misconduct.Mar 16, 2018A Confirmatory Order from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission spells out actions that will be taken by Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. and Entergy Operations, Inc. in the wake of an investigation by the NRC at the Entergy Grand Gulf nuclear power plant in Port Gibson, Miss. The agency identified three apparent violations, including:An examination proctor provided assistance on general employee training exams to contractor personnel.From February to December 2016, three nonlicensed operators failed to tour all required areas of their watch station.Three nonlicensed operators created documents indicating their rounds had been performed when they actually had not been completed.Entergy and the NRC have agreed to a series of actions the companies will take across their fleet of nuclear plants in Mississippi, Arkansas, New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Louisiana. These include a survey that will be done by a third party within a year at all plants to identify safety culture concerns that could be contributing to employees' willful misconduct, and Entergy will conduct annual training beginning in 2020 that emphasizes its intolerance of willful misconduct.Entergy also will perform annual effectiveness reviews of its corrective actions for three years.Let's block ads! (Why?)

Pennsylvania Posts Opioid Data Dashboard"This information allows us to look at the areas where the opioid crisis is doing the most damage," Acting Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. "Through this data, we can see where prevention is needed, where rescue can be improved, and where treatment is necessary to help those communities that have been affected the most by the opioid epidemic."Mar 16, 2018Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf Administration unveiled an opioid data dashboard on March 14 that will help focus resources locally in battling the opioids problem."Access to this data will allow our Opioid Operational Command Center, local officials, and all those involved in battling the opioid crisis to look at where our efforts are needed most," he said. "This information is vital as we all work together to help our loved ones, our neighbors and our communities who continue to be devastated by this crisis."The dashboard focuses on data sets in the three main areas distinguished by Wolf in his Jan. 10 disaster declaration: prevention, rescue, and treatment. It also shows data at the county level. "This information allows us to look at the areas where the opioid crisis is doing the most damage," Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said. "Through this data, we can see where prevention is needed, where rescue can be improved, and where treatment is necessary to help those communities that have been affected the most by the opioid epidemic."Let's block ads! (Why?)

Several Dead in Bridge Collapse at FIUFlorida Highway Patrol Lt. Alejandro Camacho told CBS News there were "several fatalities." Mar 15, 2018A new pedestrian bridge under construction near the campus of Florida International University collapsed March 15. The falling bridge crushed at least five cars, and Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alejandro Camacho told CBS News there were "several fatalities." According to NBC Miami, a total of five patients have been treated by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue so far, with one transported as a trauma alert to Kendall Regional Hospital. The hospital has established an incident command center in anticipation of treating more patients. The bridge was lifted off its temporary support and placed in its permanent position above a seven-lane road on Saturday, NBC news reported. Reportedly, two workers were replacing something on the side of the bridge when it collapsed. The bridge, which cost $14.2 million, was constructed using a method called accelerated bridge construction, meant to reduce potential risks to workers, commuters, and pedestrians as well as prevent traffic problems in the area, CBS News reported. It was scheduled to open in early 2019. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Two Injured, One Missing After Texas Chemical Plant ExplosionsAt least two people are injured and one person is missing after two explosions March 15 at a chemical plant in Hood County, Texas. Mar 15, 2018At least two people are injured and one person is missing after two explosions Thursday morning at a chemical plant in Hood County, Texas, according to WFAA. All three people are believed to be employees of the plant.The first explosion occurred at about 10 a.m. at Tri-Chem Industries in Cresson, Texas. A second explosion took place at about 11:15 a.m., and the plant had collapsed as of noon, Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds confirmed to WFAA.The cause of the explosions is unknown at this time. According to Tri-Chem Industries' website, the plant is a "chemical blending facility."Several fire departments have been called in to help for fire and hazardous materials support. Officials are monitoring wind direction as smoke billows from the fire. According to CBS DFW, Cresson city leaders are telling anyone who came into contact with the smoke to go to the hospital and get checked out.Let's block ads! (Why?)

Drought Declaration Signed for Klamath County, OregonGov. Kate Brown's news release said at the end of February, the snow-water equivalent in Klamath County was 40 percent of a normal water year, and forecasted water conditions are not expected to improve. Drought, severe weather conditions, and the upcoming fire season are significant threats to the local economy, agriculture and livestock, natural resources, and recreation in the county.Mar 15, 2018Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visited Klamath Falls on March 13 to sign an executive order declaring a drought in Klamath County and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. She met with Klamath County officials, tribal members, and water users to discuss options for immediate drought relief, and while Brown committed the state to a locally supported, comprehensive resolution of conflicts over water and land in the Klamath Basin, she asked federal officials to commit to this, as well."We know 2018 is shaping up to be a very difficult year for the Klamath Basin, and we're closely monitoring drought conditions here and statewide," she said. "I am committed to doing everything possible to make state resources available to provide immediate relief and assistance to water users throughout Klamath County. As we brace for another record-breaking drought year, collaborating with our federal partners will also be critical as we work towards locally supported, long-term solutions."Her office's news release said at the end of February, the snow-water equivalent in Klamath County was 40 percent of a normal water year, and forecasted water conditions are not expected to improve. As a result, drought, severe weather conditions, and the upcoming fire season are significant threats to the local economy, agriculture and livestock, natural resources, and recreation in the county.Her declaration makes available several drought-related emergency tools for water users, including assistance to local water users, and allows the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules. Declarations are intended to be short-term emergency authorizations to address water supply challenges.The release said a request for federal assistance has been made and is supported by members of Oregon's congressional delegation. Interior Department Deputy Commissioner of Reclamation Alan Mikkelsen attended the meeting and committed federal assistance to the Klamath Basin, it said.On Feb. 20, the Klamath County Commission had declared a drought emergency due to low snowpack, low precipitation, low streamflows, and warmer-than-normal temperature, asking for a state drought declaration. State officials subsequently met and the Oregon Drought Readiness Council recommended that the governor's drought declaration will provide a critical tool to confront current water conditions and future climate forecasts.Let's block ads! (Why?)

CARB Awards Grant for Ultra-Low NOx Truck Demonstration ProjectCalifornia's ultra-low NOx emissions standard is 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour. This program will demonstrate the first diesel engine to comply with this state standard.Mar 15, 2018The California Air Resource Board (CARB) recently announced it is awarding a $7 million dollar grant to CALSTART for a Class 8 truck that will achieve a 90 percent reduction in NOx and a 15 to 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement.The project is part of CARB's Low Carbon Transportation and Fuels Investments and Air Quality Improvement Program. CALSTART is the project grantee and administrator. The project will build and install Achates Power Opposed-Piston Engines into Class 8 demonstration trucks that will operate in fleet service in California in 2020.CALSTART, based in Pasadena, Calif., is a member organization dedicated to the growth of a clean transportation technologies industry.California's ultra-low NOx emissions standard is 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp/hr). This program will demonstrate the first diesel engine to comply with this state standard; the engine will emit 10 percent less CO2 than the 2027 federal greenhouse gas requirement.The project team includes a heavy-duty truck manufacturer and leading suppliers in the powertrain and emissions industry. California's South Coast Air Quality Management District, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District are investing in the project.Funding for the grant comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which improves public health and the environment.Let's block ads! (Why?)